The pair got to know each other when Rooney came through the ranks, and Ferguson has paid the highest tribute to his mate.

He said: “Wayne Rooney is a lovely man, a family man. He’s a totally trustworthy man, a great professional and, for me, he’s been the best player we’ve ever had in the Premier League.”

Bayern consider Schweinsteiger return

Bayern Munich could be set to welcome Bastian Schweinsteiger back to the club just one year on from him leaving for Manchester United.

Bayern Munich are considering offering Bastian Schweinsteiger a position back at the club (Image: Getty)

The 32-year-old joined United last July but endured a disappointing debut campaign at Old Trafford and is not in Jose Mourinho's plans ahead of the new season, the Manchester Evening News report.

Schweinsteiger spent 17 years at Bayern and is a legend at the club, having won eight Bundesliga titles in Bavaria as well as the 2013 Champions League, and the club's chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted the door could be open for Schweinsteiger to return.

Rummenigge told German outlet Bild: "Should he [Schweinsteiger] speak in the future at some point about a desire to return then we will discuss it with him."